Forbes columnist Steven Salzberg and author-investigator Joe Nickell will each be awarded the 2012 Robert P. Balles Prize in Critical Thinking, to be presented by the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry at the CFI Summit in October.

14th Annual CFI Houdini Seance

October 31, 2010

Joe Nickell recently sat down with Director of CFI Libraries Tim Binga to hold the 14th Annual Center for Inquiry and the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry Houdini Séance.

While attempting to summon his spirit, the two discuss Houdini’s fascinating life and accomplishments. Binga describes some of the rare Houdini-related books and pamphlets CFI has in its collection—even some Nickell himself hadn't previously come across—and why they're an important part of the archive.

Harry Houdini (1874-1926) was a world-famous magician, escape artist, and skeptical investigator of the paranormal.

Joe Nickell

Joe Nickell, Ph.D., is Senior Research Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) and "Investigative Files" Columnist for Skeptical Inquirer. A former stage magician, private investigator, and teacher, he is author of numerous books, including Inquest on the Shroud of Turin (1998), Pen, Ink and Evidence (2003), Unsolved History (2005) and Adventures in Paranormal Investigation (2007). He has appeared in many television documentaries and has been profiled in The New Yorker and on NBC's Today Show. His personal website is at joenickell.com.

Content copyright CSI or the respective copyright holders. Do not redistribute without obtaining permission. Thanks to the ESO for the image of the Helix Nebula, also NASA, ESA and the Hubble Heritage Team for the image of NGC 3808B (ARP 87).